I support Senate Bill 51, and urge the House of Delegates to report and pass it. Localities of over 400,000 population should elect their Council or Board of Supervisors members by individual, single member districts. Outmoded at-large districts make no sense in a jurisdiction this huge, and present serious legal problems that cause years of unnecessary litigation and strife. It’s time to move into the 21st century.

As a Virginia Beach voter, I urge you to pass SB51. There is no reason for further delay - last November, a majority of Virginia Beach voters supported our 10-1 district voting system. I ask you to report SB681 and vote for its passage.

To the members of the Committee: The League of Women Voters supports SB51. In a 2025 election, the voters of Virginia Beach, by a solid majority, approved updating the City Charter to reflect the existing 10-1 district system. The single district system ensures fair, equal, and accountable representation for all citizens in all communities of the City of Virginia Beach, and has been successfully used since 2022. The League recommends that the General Assembly pass SB 51 to update the Virginia Beach City Charter without further delay. The League also supports the related bill SB681. Respectfully submitted, Arina van Breda on behalf of Joan Porte, President, LWV-VA